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General

Chocolates recalled from retailers nationwide

Certain chocolate products are being recalled from stores nationwide due to undeclared milk allergens that may cause life-threatening reactions for people who are allergic.

Weaver Nut Company, Inc. issued the recalled for certain semi-sweet nonpareil chocolates that were distributed to retail and grocery stores throughout the nation.

“People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the impacted products and Lot’s listed below,” the company said in announcement published Wednesday by the Food and Drug Administration.

The potentially affected chocolates include the following lot numbers:

Semi-sweet nonpareil chocolates with Christmas seeds

204206, 204207, 204208, 204209, 204212, 224225

Semi-sweet nonpareil chocolates with white seeds

204214-RL, 204214, 204215, 224221, 224222, 224223, 135215, 135216, 135217, 135220, 135221, 145204, 145205-1, 145207-1, 145210-1

The company said no illnesses had been reported to date. But anyone who has a milk allergy is urged not to eat the chocolates. Those customers should throw the product away or return it to the store for a refund.

Milk is one of the top nine allergens that the FDA requires companies to declare, according to Newsweek.

“The issue was discovered through a wholesale customer complaint upon receipt of shipment misaligned with updated product (specification) followed by a lab test to confirm the milk presence,” Weaver Nut Company said in a release.

Affected customers can find more information here.

General

Thunderstorms with marble-sized hail in Crenshaw and Covington counties Saturday

A report was issued from the National Weather Service on Saturday at 1:36 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 2:15 p.m. for Crenshaw and Covington counties.

Prepare for marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 1:36 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 6 miles northwest of Elba, moving south at 5 mph,” says the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”

According to the weather service, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice

Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.

To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:

Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads

When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of rapid water flow:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

Slow down and stay cautious:

If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

Visibility matters:

Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.

When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

General

Update: Prepare for strong thunderstorms in Coffee and Dale counties Saturday afternoon

An updated report was issued from the National Weather Service on Saturday at 2:15 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 2:45 p.m. for Coffee and Dale counties.

Residents can expect wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

“At 2:15 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Fort Novosel, moving southwest at 5 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Daleville, Elba, Fort Novosel, Enterprise, Ozark, Midland City, Level Plains, Newton, New Brockton, Pinckard, Clayhatchee, Mixons Crossroads, Hunt Field, Waterford, Curtis, Carl Folsom A/p, Hooper Stage Field, Gerald, Central City and Camp Humming Hills.

According to the weather service, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:

Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.

Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall

When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:

Beware of swollen waterways:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

Slow down and drive with care:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.

Visibility matters:

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

General

Lane Kiffin posts photos from son’s visit to Alabama football

There’s a Kiffin in Tuscaloosa this weekend.

Knox Kiffin, the 2028 quarterback prospect, took part in an Alabama football camp in Tuscaloosa this weekend. And Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, his dad, posted photos from a workout.

The quarterback prospect Kiffin was pictured in shorts, a t-shirt and cleats working with other quarterback prospects. Meanwhile, Alabama staffers and quarterbacks tossed snaps to them to make throws. Lane Kiffin also posted a photo of his son with Ty Simpson, the front runner to be Alabama’s quarterback this fall.

It’s unclear if Lane Kiffin took those photos himself or had them sent to him. Lane Kiffin knows Tuscaloosa well, having served on the coaching staff from 2014 through 2016.

Knox Kiffin’s recruitment is in its infancy. He has offers from Arkansas State, SMU and a few other programs. Alabama is in the middle of building its 2026 recruiting class, so two recruiting classes ahead of Knox Kiffin’s. But these camps provide an early glimpse at prospects such as Knox Kiffin as the recruitment of the 2028 class will ramp up the next few years.

This weekend is the end of the quiet period in the recruiting calendar. It officially ends June 22 before a dead period from June 23 through July 31. A quiet period is when schools can make in-person recruiting contact on campuses. A dead period does not permit contact or evaluations on or off campus.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.

General

Shaquille O’Neal coming to Alabama, but not for basketball

Millions of basketball fans listen to Shaquille O’Neal talk hoops. O’Neal’s an analyst on TV’s “Inside The NBA,” the long-running half-time and post-game show also featuring fellow former NBA stars Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith and esteemed broadcaster Ernie Johnson.

Here’s a chance to listen to O’Neal in a whole different way. And in person.

As his deejaying alter-ego DJ Diesel, O’Neal will perform at Huntsville, Alabama’s Orion Amphitheater, as part of the Breakaway Music Festival there Oct. 3 and 4.

Other artists set for Breakaway at Orion include pop duo Chainsmokers, festival-famous deejay Kaskade, and Brandi Cyrus, another deejay and half-sister of superstar singer Miley Cyrus. All told, more than 20 artists are scheduled to perform. Tickets are for both days and start at $170 plus fees via universe.com.

Breakaway is a touring music festival, and this year the fest is coming to locations from Las Vegas to Philadelphia to Northern California. Some of the lineups vary from show to show. It doesn’t appear a by day schedule has been released for the Huntsville show yet on Breakaway’s website.

According to setlist.fm, DJ Diesel sets have mixed in tracks by artists ranging from Kendrick Lamar to Journey to DMX.

Music has long been a passion for the 7-foot-plus tall legend. He’s released four rap albums, and his 1993 debut, titled “Shaq Diesel,” a reference to the self-given nickname, moved more than a million copies.

O’Neal played college basketball at Louisiana State University. In the NBA, he starred at the center position for teams including the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat.

He was a four-time NBA champion, 15-time all-star, two-time scoring champ, the 1993 Rookie of the Year and 2000’s Most Valuable Player. O’Neal was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016, following a 19-year career.

Interestingly, once in 1997, O’Neal ended up jamming at a rehearsal studio with hard-rock stars Guns N’ Roses. This was back when GN’R was working on “Chinese Democracy,” the band’s infamously long gestating album, which wasn’t released until 2008.

O’Neal, recording a Taco Bell commercial in an adjacent studio, stopped by to say hi after reading the band’s name on the studio’s bulletin board.

GN’R singer Axl Rose, the lone classic era member still in the band by then, wasn’t at the studio that day. But keyboardist Dizzy Reed, with the band since 1990, was.

According to Reed, after O’Neal and the band finished a funky improvised jam, O’Neal got out on the floor and break-danced.

As Reed recalled in a 2006 interview posted on a GN’R online forum, “If you’ve ever seen a 7-foot, 300-pound guy do the Worm, it’s the most amazing thing.”

General

Broadway comes to Alabama Black Belt for kids play: ‘Brought the world to them’

TaDarius Dukes has already seen his twin daughters grow more confident just a few days into their workshop with Broadway performers in rural Alabama.

“My daughters like to sing and dance but they’re really shy,” Dukes told AL.com. “Coming here, I see them coming out of their shells a little bit. They see just how confident these performers are and that to be successful in their world, where competition is fierce, you have to be confident in whatever you’re doing.”

Zara Aina is a New York-based theater nonprofit that works “to help at-risk children recognize their potential.” The organization sent a group of Broadway artists and two performers from Madagascar to Wilcox County this week to put on a show with more than 80 kids.

The organization partnered with BAMA Kids, a nonprofit in the Alabama Black Belt that provides programs to kids in the community. Together, they’ll put on a free show for the public on Sunday evening in Camden.

Sheryl Threadgill, the executive director of BAMA Kids, told AL.com that there aren’t many things for kids to do in Wilcox County when they’re out of school.

There’s no county summer jobs program this year, she said, and there’s a lack of other recreational activities for kids. So kids, ranging from ages 3 to 15, were quick to enroll in the theater workshop.

Only four days in, Threadgill has already seen the impact.

“We’re seeing a lot of inhibitions go away, their communications skills have improved. We’ve just seen so much in how they articulate and how they respond,” she said.

“These artists take the time out of their schedules and out of their careers to spend time with and value children in the Black Belt. It makes us all feel really special.”

‘Brought the world to them’

Sheryl Threadgill, director of Bama Kids, shares a photo from Zara Aina’s first trip to Wilcox County in 2013.Savannah Tryens-Fernandes

Zara Aina has partnered with BAMA Kids since 2012 thanks to a connection by Kate Schutt, a singer-songwriter who used to volunteer with the nonprofit.

The first show ever put on was about an African folktale. This year’s show will be about “unity, solidarity and Alabama and Madagascar coming together,” said Justin Cimino, Zara Aina’s artistic director.

During the workshop, kids wrote songs connecting the two places:

“Madagascar’s hot, Alabama’s too. I wear my Crocs outside and my bathing suit too.”

Some kids learned to play African drums to accompany the singers, while others are helping to design sets or put together a behind-the-scenes documentary.

The kids under 8 practice their underwater scene, wearing puppets of different sea creatures or waving water wands while running around the stage.

The two artists from Zara Aina in Madagascar — Louis Zo Rabearison, a dancer and program director, and Rasolofomanana Alfred Léonard, a musician, playwright and artistic director — help the kids write a song about solidarity.

“Solidarity, that’s the call. Standing strong, never let a soldier fall.”

For all of the artists, the goal is to expose kids to something different and show them what’s possible.

Shaun Taylor-Corbett, an actor who’s appeared in plays like Jersey Boys and In the Heights, drew parallels to his experience in Wilcox County and his Blackfeet community in Montana.

“We want to show these kids that if they want to explore becoming a professional musician or a dancer choreographer, that that is an option for them. I remember seeing people in this field that looked like me when I was younger and that inspired me to believe I could do it and I believe we can have that same impact here,” Taylor-Corbett said.

Dukes, who grew up in Wilcox County and is now a drama and chorus teacher at Jackson High School, knows not every kid going through the program will grow up to be an artist.

“But they will walk away saying they got to work with somebody from New York, from Madagascar, from Puerto Rico,” he said. “Some of these kids have never left the state and you brought the world to them.”

The free public performance of the Zara Aina and Bama Kids show will be held Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Star of Hope Building in Camden.

General

Johnson: Home run derby at historic Rickwood inspires jazzy memories for longtime fan

This is an opinion column.

They ain’t lost that swing.

Doo-whap, doo-whap, doo-whap, doo-whap, doo-whap … pow.

Apologies, Duke, Ella. This long-time baseball fan couldn’t help but get a little jazzy about a group responsible for 14,178 Major League Baseball home runs gathering at Rickwood Field last Thursday afternoon — last sweltering Thursday afternoon, on Juneteenth — to show they still got that swing.

Once a home run hitter, always … at least until time does what it does.

Even then…

Doo-whap, doo-whap, doo-whap, doo-whap, doo-whap …

Being honest, two of the six former MLBers who swung in the 2025 East West Classic Home Run Derby weren’t really home run hitters. Between them, Louis Brinson and Jerry Hairston had fewer than 100 homers in their collective 22 MLB seasons.

But those other four: Nick Swisher, Prince Fielder, Ryan Howard and Andruw Jones. True swingers. True home-run hitters. They pretty much made up for the 1,400 remaining career home runs that gathered on the same ball field where Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Satchel Paige and 161 other Hall of Famers once performed.

The derby was the prelude for the second Classic, an exhibition pitting former major leaguers against each other in a contest honoring the Negro Leaguers who were too long denied the opportunity to play in the other majors. An exhibition that should be held on this hallowed site every year in perpetuity.

Long after the last Negro Leaguer has swung on this earthly ball field.

Each home-run derby swinger was given 10 swings to see how many times he could launch a deftly pitched ball beyond Rickwood’s fence decorated with throwback advertising.

In the opening round, only Swisher among the quartet failed to send one over the fence. The other combatants found their home-run groove — their swing — at least once.

Fielder, a lefty swinger, pounded a ball or two not just beyond the fence, but beyond Rickwood into the westside neighborhood nestled behind the right-field stands.

Not surprisingly, Jones and Fielder emerged as finalists representing the East and West, respectively. So it was to come down to 10 swings. Though with fatigue (and maybe a little bit of time) setting in, the men finished tied with three home runs each, pushing the competition to a three-swing playoff.

Fielder won a coin toss — delayed a bit because no one could find an actual coin to toss — and put Jones in the batter’s box first. The former Brave, in three swings, failed to get the ball over the fence.

Fielder stepped into the chalk rectangle capless after donning one throughout the competition. Stepped in knowing all he needed to muster was one mighty swing.

Doo-whap…

Fielder flipped his bat before the seamed sphere began descending into the right field beyond.

Call it a flip-off derby win.

Maybe the most intriguing participant in the competition wasn’t even an entrant. During his 22 years in the majors, Gary Sheffield hit 509 home runs as a member of eight teams, most notably the Florida Marlins, with whom the nine-time All-Star won a World Series ring.

Only 25 MLB swingers have hit more.

He should be in the Hall of Fame. I’ll just leave that right there.

On Wednesday night, Sheffield shared with me that this was his first time in Birmingham. The following afternoon, the 56-year-old was the home run whisperer, most specifically with Jones.

Let the swing do its thing, he kept reminding. Let the swing swing.

In my youth, Hank Aaron swung. I know exactly where I was on April 8, 1974. It was my high-school senior year, when, as an Atlanta Brave, he hit his 715th career home run to swing past Babe Ruth’s record. I watched it on tvn with my school newspaper staff as we cut and pasted the next edition together.

Later, Chicago Cub Sammy Sosa and St. Louis Cardinal Mark McGwire revived a slumbering game, though later we learned that their efforts were not without stain. Still, both men should also be in the Hall.

Then came Barry Bonds, the first player I ever saw who was intentionally walked, well, just because. He holds the game’s record of free passes (688, more than the next three players combined).

On May 28, 1998, the Arizona Diamondbacks, leading 8-6 in the ninth, chose to intentionally walk Bonds with the bases loaded. The next batter grounded out to end the game.

I would love a home run derby between the late Aaron and retired Bonds. Five swings.

Doo-whap, doo-whap, doo-whap, doo-whap, doo-whap…

Let’s be better tomorrow than we are today. My column appears on AL.com, and digital editions of The Birmingham News, Huntsville Times, and Mobile Press-Register. Tell me what you think at [email protected], and follow me at twitter.com/roysj, Instagram @roysj and BlueSky.

General

NBA Draft: Charles Barkley highlights a first-round streak

The NBA will hold its 79th draft on Wednesday and Thursday. Thirty first-round picks will be made starting at 7 p.m. CDT Wednesday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NBA teams have drafted 49 players from Alabama high schools and colleges in the first round, and AL.com is counting down to the 2025 draft with a decade-by-decade look at the state’s first-rounders, including the 1980s:

Three members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame played high school hoops in Alabama. One got picked in the first round of the NBA Draft.

Leeds High School’s Charles Barkley joined the Philadelphia 76ers from Auburn as the fifth choice in the 1984 draft. The draft is infamously remembered, at least in Portland, because the Trail Blazers took Kentucky center Sam Bowie at No. 2, leaving North Carolina swingman Michael Jordan for the Chicago Bulls at No. 3.

The Houston Rockets had taken Houston center Hakeem Olajuwon at No. 1. North Carolina center Sam Perkins went to the Dallas Mavericks before the Sixers chose Barkley.

The other Alabama high school players in the Hall of Fame are Artis Gilmore of Carver High School in Dothan and Ben Wallace of Central High School in Hayneville.

The Bulls picked Gilmore with the 117th selection in the 1971 NBA Draft. But that’s because Gilmore had signed with the ABA’s Kentucky Colonels three days after his senior season ended in Jacksonville’s 74-72 loss to Western Kentucky in the NCAA tournament. Gilmore had 12 points, 22 rebounds and 11 blocked shots in his final college game.

Chicago used a seventh-round selection on Gilmore to secure his NBA rights. That paid off in 1976 when the NBA’s absorption of the ABA did not include the Colonels, and Gilmore averaged 20.1 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocked shots per game over the next six seasons for the Bulls.

Wallace didn’t get drafted. He entered the NBA from Virginia Union as a rookie free agent with the Washington Bullets in 1996 to start a 16-season career.

Entering 1980, seven of the 33 NBA drafts had included in the first round at least one prospect who had played at an Alabama high school or college. But 1980 started a streak of nine first rounds that included a player with Alabama basketball roots, a run that featured the selection of Barkley.

The NBA Draft first-round picks with Alabama basketball roots in the 1980s included:

1980: Andrew Toney (Glenn High School in Birmingham), No. 8 by the Philadelphia 76ers

After playing at Louisiana-Lafayette, Toney became known as “The Boston Strangler” because of his performances during the Sixers’ rivalry with the Boston Celtics in the 1980s. The 6-foot-3 guard spent all eight of his NBA seasons in Philadelphia, played in the NBA All-Star games in 1983 and 1984 and averaged 19.7 points per game for the 76ers’ NBA championship team in the 1982-83 season. In 468 NBA regular-season games, Toney averaged 15.9 points, 2.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. He averaged 17.4 points in 72 playoff games. In the 1982 NBA Finals, Toney averaged 26.0 points as Philadelphia lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games. The next year, when the Sixers swept the Lakers, Toney averaged 22.0 per game in the Finals.

1981: Kevin Loder (Alabama State), No. 17 by the Kansas City Kings

A 6-foot-6 forward, Loder went in the first round after he averaged 22.2 and 23.3 points per game in his final two seasons at Alabama State. In 148 NBA regular-season games, Loder averaged 5.9 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists. Loder played all but one of his 148 NBA games with Kansas City. Loder had a pair of 25-point games during his three seasons.

1982: Eddie Phillips (Parker High School in Birmingham, Alabama), No. 21 by the New Jersey Nets

After averaging 15.9 points and 9.3 rebounds in four seasons at Alabama, concluding with a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA tournament, the 6-foot-7 forward played only one NBA season. In 48 NBA regular-season games, Phillips averaged 3.2 points, 1.6 rebounds and 0.6 assists. After Phillips’ rookie season, the Nets traded him to the Philadelphia 76ers before the 1983-84 campaign. When the Sixers waived him, Phillips finished his basketball career overseas.

1983: Ennis Whatley (Phillips High School in Birmingham, Alabama), No. 13 by the Kansas City Kings

In two seasons at Alabama, Whatley averaged 13.7 points and 6.3 assists per game, and the 6-foot-3 guard started his NBA career by averaging 8.3 assists for the Bulls. But his next nine seasons in the NBA were spread across 13 years with seven teams. In 385 NBA regular-season games, Whatley averaged 5.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.0 steals per game.

1984: Charles Barkley (Leeds High School, Auburn), No. 5 by the Philadelphia 76ers

“Sir Charles” entered the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer in 2006 after a 16-season NBA career. The 6-foot-6 forward played in 11 All-Star Games – each one from 1987 through 1997. Barkley won the NBA MVP for the 1992-93 season in his first campaign with Phoenix, when he averaged 25.6 points, 12.2 rebounds and a career-high 5.1 assists per game in leading the Suns to the NBA Finals. He also won an Olympic gold medal in 1992 as a member of the Dream Team at the Barcelona Olympics. In 1,073 NBA regular-season games, Barkley averaged 22.1 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.9 steals.

1985: Terry Catledge (South Alabama), No. 21 by the Philadelphia 76ers

The 6-foot-8 power forward had averaged 21.7 points and 10.8 rebounds in three seasons at South Alabama to become the first first-round pick produced by the Jaguars. Catledge had the best of his eight NBA seasons in 1989-90, when he averaged 19.4 points and 7.6 rebounds for the Orlando Magic, which had selected him in the expansion draft before the season. In 515 NBA regular-season games, Catledge averaged 12.7 points and 6.4 rebounds.

1986: Chuck Person (Brantley High School, Auburn), No. 4 by the Indiana Pacers

Person did not make a single 3-point shot while averaging 18.3 points per game in four seasons at Auburn because it did not exist in the college game during his career. But “The Rifleman” dropped in 1,220 3-point baskets during a 13-season NBA career, which ranked seventh in NBA history at the end of his final season. The 6-foot-8 forward reached a career high of 21.6 points per game for the Pacers in the 1988-89 season. In 943 NBA regular-season games, Person averaged 14.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists.

1986: Buck Johnson (Hayes High School in Birmingham, Alabama), No. 20 by the Houston Rockets

A 20.7-points-per-game scorer as a senior at Alabama, the 6-foot-7 forward averaged 14.8 points for the Rockets in 1989-90, the best of his seven NBA seasons, which were followed by 10 seasons playing overseas. In 505 NBA regular-season games, Johnson averaged 9.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists.

1987: Derrick McKey (Alabama), No. 9 by the Seattle Supersonics

After averaging 18.7 points per game in his final season at Alabama, McKey embarked on a 15-year NBA career, during which his team missed the playoffs only twice. In the eight seasons from 1988-89 through 1995-96, McKey averaged 14.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game. In 937 NBA regular-season games, McKey averaged 11.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 steals. He also played in 142 postseason games.

1987: Jim Farmer (Houston Academy in Dothan, Alabama), No. 20 by the Dallas Mavericks

The second first-rounder drafted from Alabama in 1987, when the Crimson Tide lost in the Sweet 16 as a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tourney, Farmer was among the four Alabama players picked that year. The 6-foot-4 guard played for five teams in his five NBA seasons. In 136 NBA regular-season games, Farmer averaged 5.3 points, 1.4 rebounds and 0.8 assists.

1988: Chris Morris (Auburn), No. 4 by the New Jersey Nets

The 6-foot-8 swingman averaged 20.7 points per game as a senior at Auburn and reached an NBA high of 14.8 points per game in his second season. Morris’ scoring average was 12.9 points per game for the first eight of his 11 seasons in the NBA. He went to the NBA Finals twice with the Utah Jazz and averaged 17.5 points in a six-game loss to the Chicago Bulls in 1998. In 747 NBA regular-season games, Morris averaged 11.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 steals.

The 1980 draft featured 23 first-round picks, and the 1989 draft had 27 first-round picks. Wednesday’s first round will include 30 selections.

Two other players with Alabama basketball roots went with choices in the 1980s that would be in the first round of the 2025 draft.

In 1981, the San Antonio Spurs picked South Alabama forward Ed Rains at No. 30.

In 1982, the Spurs picked UAB guard Oliver Robinson from Woodlawn High School in Birmingham at No. 24.

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.

General

‘Villa Amore’ joins Hallmark’s Passport to Love collection with premiere: How you can watch free

The brand new Hallmark Channel romcom Villa Amore premieres on the network Saturday, June 21 at 8/7c.

Those hoping to catch the third installment of the hit Hallmark collection can stream the Villa Amore premiere even without access to traditional cable through Philo (free trial), Fubo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

What is Villa Amore about?

Joining the network’s new Passport to Love collection, Villa Amore stars Eloise Mumford and Kevin McGarry and details the story of Liara (Mumford) who goes to Italy and impulsively buys the villa where her parents met.

After the spontaneous purchase, she learns she’s way in over her head and must ask a lawyer-turned-handyman to help her renovate the villa and restore it to its prime.

How to watch the Villa Amore premiere

Those interested in catching Villa Amore can stream the premiere through the streaming platforms listed below.

Philo: 7-day free trial ($28 a month after free trial)

Fubo: Free trial ($84.99 a month after free trial)

DirecTV: 5-day free trial ($86.99 a month after free trial)

Sling: 50% off first month and one month free of AMC+ ($45.99 a month after first month)

What is Philo?

Philo is considered one of the most affordable streaming platforms on the market. Known as an entertainment-focused streaming service, Philo offers its subscribers access to over 70 top-rated TV channels such as TLC, MTV, BET, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more.

New users can enjoy Philo’s 7-day free trial and continue to stream top channels, hit TV shows and movies on-demand for just $28 a month once the free trial expires.

Those looking to customize their flow of content even further on Philo can consider including add-ons such as MGM+, STARZ, and AMC+ in their subscription.

What is Fubo and DirecTV?

Fubo and DirecTV are two of the top streaming services steadily replacing traditional cable services. Both offer free trials to new subscribers, a plethora of popular live TV channels, on-demand streaming options and helpful features such as unlimited DVR storage.

Fubo considers itself a sports-focused live streaming service, but with over 100 live TV channels available through its base package at just $84.99 after its free trial, it offers much more to its subscribers.

Popular TV channels available through Fubo include ABC, FOX, BET, MTV, CNBC, MSNBC, USA and much more.

DirecTV mirrors Fubo by offering many of the same live TV channels and useful features. The base package starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNN, BET and much more.

Two other DirecTV packages are the Choice package (original price $114.99) and the Ultimate package (original price $129.99), both of which are part of an ongoing promotion that offers new subscribers $10 off the original price for the first three months of their subscription.

Those interested in comparing all DirecTV’s channel packages can check them out here.

What is Sling?

Sling is another streaming service to consider if you want to access top rated TV channels such as the Hallmark Channel. Though no free trial is available to new subscribers, those who commit to a paid plan get half off the first month and one month free of AMC+.

Both the Sling Orange plan and the Sling Blue plan are normally $45.99 a month, but with the current promotion, Sling users will pay just $23 a month for the first month.

For those who wish to access channels from both the Sling Blue and Sling Orange plans can do so by signing up for the Orange + Blue plan, which combines the best of both plans for just $60.99 a month ($30.50 for the first month).

Other upcoming Passport to Love movie premieres

The four-movie Passport to Love collection concludes with next week’s premiere of A Machu Picchu Proposal which is set to make its debut on the network Saturday, June 28 at 8/7c.

General

Heat advisory active for Central Alabama until Saturday evening

At 11:38 a.m. on Saturday, the National Weather Service issued a heat advisory in effect until 7 p.m. for Walker, Perry, Bibb, Marengo and Dallas counties.

The weather service describes, “Heat index values up to 107 degrees expected.”

“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses,” explains the weather service.

Heat safety: A guide to staying safe in high temperatures

Stay hydrated: Remember to drink plenty of fluids.
Seek cool shelter: Opt for an air-conditioned room to stay comfortable.
Avoid sun exposure: Avoid direct sun exposure, protect yourself and check on vulnerable relatives and neighbors.
Child and pet safety: Be vigilant about never leaving young children and pets in vehicles without supervision, especially during periods of intense heat, as car interiors can quickly become extremely hot.
Caution outdoors: If you must work or spend time outdoors, take extra precautions.
Optimal timing: If possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening when the heat is less intense.
Recognize heat-related issues: Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Dress for comfort: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to help your body stay cool.

Additional recommendations for outdoor workers:

For outdoor workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends regular rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
If someone succumbs to the heat, promptly relocate them to a cool, shaded location.
In emergency situations, dial 911 for immediate assistance.

These NWS heat safety recommendations are vital for your well-being during periods of high temperatures. Stay informed and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others from the heat’s potentially dangerous effects.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.